Oklahoma study assesses oil and gas industry jobs

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) – A new Oklahoma City University study has found nearly one out of every five jobs created in the state is connected to the oil and gas industry.

The Norman Transcript reports the Steven C. Agee Economic Research and Policy Institute findings were released Wednesday. The study was commissioned by Oklahoma Energy Resources Board, which promotes the industry.

Oil and gas jobs accounted for less than 5 percent of the state’s total employment in 2012. The report found the industry added more than 20 percent of the 61,000 jobs created in Oklahoma since 2010.

Oklahoma was ranked fifth in the nation for crude oil production last year. The institute’s executive director predicts the state may surpass Alaska and California over the next few years to claim the No. 3 spot.